The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

PRESCOTT – Sixteen members of the Prescott graduating Class of 2016 proudly made their way down the aisle during Prescott High School's commencement ceremony on the evening of Fri., June 10. "When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you'll be successful," a quote by Eric Thomas, was selected as the class motto.

Once the class was seated, the crowd stood as PHS student Angel Prado sang a stirring rendition of the national anthem. Class Valedictorian Jaqueline Velazco welcomed the crowd and gave a valedictory address reflecting back on class memories from kindergarten on.

Salutatorian Salomon Martinez offered encouragement to his fellow classmates and encouraged them repeatedly to consider returning to Prescott in the future. "Prescott will be here for us – come back!" he said.

Following the speeches, Jessica Villanueva Perez and Rodrogo Gonzalez took the stage for the recognition of parents. Each parent's name was read as their graduate honored them with a rose and a hug.

Commencement speaker, soccer coach and math teacher Mark Grimm, praised the group. "Behind me are some great students and great athletes, but the number one thing is that they are great young people. That's what it's about and that's why we're here," he said.

"I'm going to miss you a lot. This is a sad day for me, but I need to stop being selfish. This is just the beginning for all of you," he added.

Dena Wood

New Prescott grads celebrate with a cap toss.

Susan DeRuwe and Freda Price presented the scholarship awards. The fourth annual Jack Smiley Memorial Scholarship, in the amount of $1,000 – awarded to the senior who has shown the most involvement in Prescott High School – went to salutatorian Salomon Martinez. His name will be added to the wooden memorial plaque that hangs in the Prescott gymnasium. Donations to the Jack Smiley Memorial Scholarship may be made by visiting http://www.jacksmileymemorialscholarship.com.

Principal Dr. Jodi Thew presented the graduates and school board chairman Karen Tonne handed out diplomas. A reception followed in the multi-purpose room.

Class of 2016 graduating Prescott seniors include: Jonathan Albarran Gaytan, Ahtziry Karelyn Amezcua Almejo, Adolfo Junior Armenta, Kalijha Loraine Bicknell, Miguel Angel Centeno, Eduardo Espinoza Mendoza, Luiz Antonio Garcia, Rodrigo Emmanuel Gonzales Luna, Salomon Cedillo Martinez, Alberto Antonio Mendez, Leidy Ruby Romero Rosales, Manuel Sanchez, Cardenas, Jaqueline Velazco, Jessica Villanueva Perez, Emmit Virgil Wilson, Perla Jazmin Xolio Moto.